AS PULLOUT LOOMS, FEWER DEPLOYING

75 from National Guard unit going to Afghanistan, down from original 600

This tour will be different, he said. “It’s no longer going in to conquer a country. Now it’s time to make friends. It’s time to pass it off for someone to take care of their own at this point. I’m coming at it with a totally different mindset, one I’m not used to, one they are training me up to take care of.”

The record high number of insider attacks last year by Afghan allies on coalition troops was on the minds of many soldiers and family members.

“Remember your battle buddies,” Malanka advised. “Remember to always be with someone and not only watch them when you’re going out on patrol. ... But when you’re sitting (on base) and you’re bored and you’re waiting for the next mission. Make sure you are looking out for each other and you stay sharp and you stay focused.

“You will be making history, you will be leaving that province defended by Afghan National Security Forces,” he added. “All you need to do is turn it over to them and get home safe.”